Vietnam is an amazing country with marvelous landscape and cultural diversity. Throughout this S-shaped country, you can experience lots of picturesque views from remote mountains, vast plateaus to relaxing beaches. With the huge attractive destinations, you might be confused to decide which Vietnam travel route is the best. Among the numerous options from travel agencies you look for online, why don’t you plan your own Vietnam travel route. Go along your own itinerary will be the best experience ever. But you must know where to go in Vietnam, what to eat or how the weather is to prepare clothes. Don’t worry, I’m here to help you with that and make sure that you will have the best Vietnam travel route.

1. HanoiThis city is the capital of Vietnam as well as the center of culture and politics. Although it’s only the second largest city in Vietnam, it contains vast majority of ancient building with both Vietnamese and French architecture. This city has been through more than 1000 years of history, so there is a notable combination of traditional features and modern ones here. And there are several sites here that must be in your Vietnam travel route

Imperial Citadel of Thang LongIt’s one of UNESCO World Heritage sites in Vietnam. It has a long history with having been the political center of Vietnam during 13 centuries. Its original shape is larger and wider than now. It’s a symbol of the prospect of ancient Vietnam as well as the symbol of the Kings.

Water Puppet Theater

Water Puppet is the traditional performance of Vietnam. It also has a rich history dating back hundreds years ago. Thang Long Puppet Theater is the best place for you to enjoy this show. The performance is shown in a water stage and the Puppets are controlled by experienced artists. You should mark this show on your Vietnam travel route.

Hoan Kiem Lake

This lake is located right in the center of city so it’s also the most popular destination for tourists. In general, the lake is preserved quite well with untouched structures. However, the quality of water is kind of bad, but all lake has this problem, right? The small temple in the middle of the lake and Ngoc Son temple with an outstanding red bridge will help you to forget about the water contamination. Anyway, Hoan Kiem Lake still should be on your Vietnam travel route.

Temple Of Literature

Among the most popular destinations of your Vietnam travel route, this place plays an important role in Vietnamese education. This is because this temple was the first university of Vietnam. In the past only noble and royal children could study here. It could be considered that this place marked a huge change of education in Vietnam when an official school replaced tutoring and the personal classes of teacher in old Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

He is a legend of Vietnam, the great leader who led this country out of the darkness of slavery. This place is where his body is preserved. This complex contains his former simple house, a museum, park,… This place has sacred meaning to Vietnamese. It opens to the public and free for Vietnamese only. So if this place is on your Vietnam travel route, you should spare some money to buy ticket.

Lotte Tower

If you want to have a panoramic view of the city, this site is for you. At the 65th floor of Lotte Tower, you will have a full view of the city without any obstacles. You can read other posts of mine about what to wear for travelling to Vietnam and the weather in Vietnam, so you can choose the best time for your vacation.

2. Ho Chi Minh city

This city is named after Ho Chi Minh – the great leader of Vietnam. Its former name is Saigon and this name is still used today. You can consider this city as the second capital of Vietnam because of its development and modernization. This city also has various sites that you can add in your Vietnam travel route.

Notre-Dame Basilica Cathedral

It’s easy to find this cathedral. It’s located right in the center of District 1. And you might be a little surprised to know that this building is totally French. The structure is designed in French architecture and the materials were imported from France. This structure is also well-prepared and almost intact. Don’t forget to add it in your Vietnam travel route before setting off your trip.

Reunification Palace

This palace is the huge turning point of Vietnam history, which marked the victory of Vietnam over Americans. Now it is still used by the government.

War Remnants Museum

This museum is dedicated to the war between Vietnam and America. You should have it on your Vietnam travel route because it’s a place where you know the real wartime in Vietnam. Lots of photos, written documents are displayed here and you will see how cruel the war is. There are also tanks, aircrafts, guns,… which were used in the war. This museum is like a reminder of painful and miserable history of Vietnam.

Saigon Central Post Office

Another design of Gustave Eiffel in Vietnam (the other is Long Bien bridge). This building is still in its original form until 1891. And this post office still keeps its main function and attracts lots of tourists.

Cu Chi Tunnels

It is an architectural structure from wartime and was built by Vietnamese. It is a complicated underground system of tunnels with essential spaces for living like kitchen, bedroom,… It was used by Vietnamese soldiers to hide from their enemies. With this site in your Vietnam travel route, you can go inside the tunnels and see how the soldiers lived underground.

Bitexco Financial Towers

Like in Hanoi but taller, this tower will give you a panoramic view of city. I would say that this tower contributes significantly into the changes of city. There are also lots of rooftop bars here where you can enjoy the view and have good time with your friends to talk about Vietnam travel route.

3. Halong Bay

Halong Bay is the outstanding point of Northern Vietnam. This bay comprises various limestone islands, islets with interesting names based on their shapes. Moreover, another reason why this site should be in your Vietnam travel route is that it is one the New 7 Wonders of The World. Now take a look on specific sites in Halong Bay.

Lan Ha Bay

This bay is one of unbeaten tracks of Halong Bay. If you plan to go to Halong Bay for Vietnam travel route but you don’t like too much tourist, you can visit this bay. In general, this bay contains lots of limestone islands and the emerald water. You definitely enjoy the peace and the beauty here more.

Titop Island

This island offers you white sand, blue and clear water with calm waves. This beach is absolutely suitable for you if you are looking for a place to relax in your Vietnam travel route. After swimming, you can take a rest at a bar here with cocktail or seafood if you want.

Cua Van Floating Village

In this floating village people live in their boat-house and earn their living by fishing. It’s like others villages on land with schools, markets,… People also have radio, television,… in their house. If there is any storm here, they will sail to the port and anchor there until the storm is gone.

4. Sapa

There no need to talk much about this destination, I think Sapa is one of the most famous site among tourists. This land has amazing landscape with great peak Fansipan “the roof of Indochina” or vast plateaus with blooming flowers. Moreover, one thing makes it in Vietnam travel route of any travelers is the diversity of ethnic minority groups.

Cat Cat Village

Located in a very beautiful valley, Cat Cat is an ethnic village that preserves their cultural values well in Sapa. Trekking around this village is a popular activity of tourist. If this destination in your Vietnam travel route, you can have chance to observe their unique architecture of housing, traditional handicrafts and their daily costumes.

Fansipan Mounts

Trekking Fansipan is an interesting outdoor activity. You can have Sapa trek 1 day or 2 days depending on your plan. But if your physical health doesn’t allow, you can visit Fansipan by cable car. Thanks to its altitude, the peak Fansipan is always covered by clouds. It’s worth a try for being here, don’t miss it with your Vietnam travel route.

Ham Rong Mountain

This place is more like a giant park. You can find any kind of flower here regardless of season. Even in the winter, you also see cherry blossom. And to visit this mountain you need to buy ticket.

Sapa Markets

Weekly local markets are where people sell everything. They offer you everything from food, handicrafts to animal like puppies or kittens. For most travelers, the most attractive things here are multicolor cloth and silver jewelry. If you are interested in something, don’t hesitate to bargain for it.

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